High temperatures and humidity have transformed air conditioners into environments that could easily develop health-endangering bacteria that produce serious illnesses.
The bacteria that can be transmitted by air conditioning systems do not just cause the common flu but can cause more serious illnesses, such as Legionella (Legion fever or Legionnaires’ disease) and Pontiac fever.
For this reason, it is absolutely necessary for those who use air conditioning to clean their devices frequently to prevent air contamination with dangerous bacteria.
The widespread use of air conditioning in office buildings and homes has led to the increase of frequent health problems, especially among people with respiratory or cardiovascular problems. These acclimatizers gather and scatter in the atmosphere many pollutants, including pollen, mold, animal hair, viruses and, last but not least, bacteria.
Legionellosis
Legionellosis is an infectious disease caused by Gram-negative aerobic bacteria of the genus Legionella, the most common infections being caused by Legionella Pneumophila. This aquatic organism can survive at temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees Celsius, and once it penetrates the human body, it can have a deadly impact.
Symptoms of legionellosis occur 2-14 days after exposure to the bacterium and include headaches, muscle pain, fever, chest pain, increased fatigue, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disorders, confusion and dizziness.
Pontiac Fever
Pontiac fever is also caused by the Legionella bacteria, but it is an easier form of respiratory infection, similar to common influenza caused by the Influenza virus. Often, the Pontiac fever is considered to be the first phase of Legionellosis, which precedes the onset of pneumonia.
As with Legionella, Pontiac fever is not transmitted from person to person, being contacted directly from the source where the bacteria began to develop (air conditioners, non-toxic swimming pools, swimming pools, spa centers, etc.).
Pontiac fever occurs especially in people over 45, especially in those who smoke or suffer from long-term respiratory disorders such as asthma. Symptoms of the Pontiac fever usually resemble high fever and muscle pain and occur in 1-2 days after the exposure to the Legionella bacteria.
